While he's experienced anxiety since fifth grade, it’s significantly worsened in recent years, Colton revealed — he's experienced anxiety, fainting, physical illness, and even developed an ulcer. He credits years of hiding his sexuality for the increased symptoms.

When he was 14, Colton came out to his friends and family, he told OUT. It didn't go well: His classmates bullied him so badly, his brother acted as his body guard at school. Distraught, a young Colton ran away, only to find out three weeks later that his father had committed suicide. “I was told that my dad killed himself because he found out I was gay," Colton told OUT. "So, of course, I lost it and was like, ‘How could you say something like that?’"

He also revealed in the OUT interview that he has recently experienced a difficult break-up with his cheating ex-partner of six years, which led to a "complete mental breakdown." He decided to focus on his health and take a break from acting, telling Entertainment Weekly that he "cared more about his mental and physical health than his career at the time." Since then, he's started therapy, which he calls "the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me," and plans to return to the spotlight soon, reprising his role on Arrow for season 5.

The star has endured his fair share of struggles, and we're blown away by how strong he's been. Colton told OUT that while he looks forward to being a role model for the LGBTQ community, he wants to "properly educate himself" first. Take your time, Colton, because you're *already * a role model; from coming out to making the responsible choice to focus on your health, you're an inspiration to us all. For the full conversation with Colton, be sure to click over to OUT.